Pulupandan, officially the Municipality of Pulupandan, is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Negros Occidental, Philippines. According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 30,117 people. With an area of 23 square kilometers, it is the smallest town in terms of area in Negros Occidental. The town was once a barrio of Valladolid before it became a separate municipality in 1917. It was in the beaches of Pulupandan in the early dawn of March 29, 1945 that the historical event of the landing of American liberation forces without any opposition, who together with the Filipino guerillas, drive the Japanese forces away from the island of Negros during the Battle of the Visayas. The town is also known for their annual "Salapan Festival".

Etymology

The town's name is derived from the vernacular phrase Pulo sang Pandan, meaning the "Isle of Pandan". Saint Philomena is the patron saint of Pulupandan. August 11 is the feast day. The main street is named after St. Philomena, the Wonderworker.

Geography

Pulupandan is 29 km from Bacolod.

Barangays

Pulupandan is politically subdivided into 20 barangays. Each barangay consists of puroks and some have sitios.

Climate

Demographics

The people in the municipality speak the Hiligaynon language. Filipino and English are generally understood. Majority of the town are adherents of the Philippine Independent Church, followed secondly by the Roman Catholic Church.

Economy

Politics

The current mayor of Pulupandan is Miguel C. Peña, son of its former mayor Magdaleno "Magsie" Peña who, until recently, was mayor of Moises Padilla town. Known for being a bailiwick of the Liberal Party, the town is notable for being the only municipality in Negros Occidental where Rodrigo Duterte won during the 2016 presidential election. President Bongbong Marcos won by a landslide with a delivery vote of 89% (12,544 votes) in the 2022 Presidential election.

Transportation

Pulupandan currently has a sea port with RORO vessels traveling straight to the island province of Guimaras.

Notable personalities